Unidentified bird

dmclean2 · #1 (**permalink**) 18-02-2011, 04:58 PM

Hi Folks,
I took these pics down at Russell Gardens at Dover yesterday and cannot make out what species it is, it's twice as big as a Mallard, I think it's a duck hybrid of some kind but would ask for some comments or your thoughts about it ( other than "WOW! can I have a drumstick please"

)
cheers
Duncan

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 18-02-2011, 05:23 PM

Looks like a bird posted on here a week or so back.

I'm pretty sure it's a Muscovy x Mallard (possibly domestic version) hybrid.

dmclean2 · #3 (**permalink**) 18-02-2011, 05:35 PM

Thanks Aeshna,
I think you have it, there are a couple of Muscovy's arround that areaI just needed some confirmation on it , the red line at base of beak and the black nail, tip of beak are indicators and the red/orange legs of the mallard pls the greenish speculum,
Thanks again
Duncan

darrenm · #4 (**permalink**) 18-02-2011, 06:48 PM

agree it is another Hienz 57 Mallard hybrid

Have seen one for the last few weeks on a local patch being displayed to by a male Mandarin

..... now thats an hybrid i would really like to see but doubt it will happen

RoyW · #5 (**permalink**) 18-02-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darrenm

agree it is another Hienz 57 Mallard hybrid

Although most "Heinz 57" Mallards are just Mallards (crosses between different domestic breeds and/or wild types).
This one is a Mallard x Muscovy Duck hybrid, as Aeshna has suggested.

Quote:

Originally Posted by darrenm

Have seen one for the last few weeks on a local patch being displayed to by a male Mandarin

..... now thats an hybrid i would really like to see but doubt it will happen

This doesn't seem to be a known hybrid combination - but hybridisation between Mallard and Wood Duck (considered the closest relative to the Mandarin) are well known.